Pad for back or neck correction and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A method of back and neck correction or back and neck alignment includes placing a pad in the form of a strip on a floor. A person then lies on the strip such that (a) the strip is beneath a person&#39;s head and one end is positioned from about the 8 th  to about the 10 th  thorax vertebrae, or (b) a person&#39;s sacrum is on the strip such that one end of the strip is between the top of the sacrum and the lowest lumbar vertebra. The strip is made from a material that is about 8 inches to about 48 inches in length; about 0.5 to about 6 inches in height; and about 1 inch to about 6 inches in width and having a compressive force deflection at 25% deflection of from about 0.5 to about 50 psi.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a pad used for back and neck correction or back and neck alignment. The pad may be a flexible strip and may be positioned so that the strip is beneath a person's head and one end of the strip is positioned from about the 8^(th) to about the 10^(th) thorax vertebrae. The strip may also be positioned such that a person is lying with his sacrum on the strip, with one end between the top of the sacrum and the lowest lumbar vertebra. While using the strip, a person may perform exercises to reduce the convexity of the upper thorax and the concavity of the neck or to alleviate problems in the lower spine.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

People commonly experience pain in the back, neck and shoulders, the cause of which is mainly due to poor posture, i.e. exaggerated inward curve of the neck and lower back and exaggerated outward curve of the upper back. A main cause of poor posture is a slouching position while seated, such as at school, during desk work, at home or in a car. This exaggerated curvature of the spine can ultimately lead to pathological conditions, such as herniated inter-vertebral disks and dislocated vertebrae.

Herniated disks are often treated surgically, removing part of or the entire inter-vertebral disk so the nerves are not squeezed anymore. However, removal of the disk or part of it may result in permanent damage to the vertebrae and ultimately lead to the need to immobilize (fuse) the vertebrae with a steel pin or other device. Treatment of dislocated vertebrae is often performed by chiropractors, manipulating the vertebra into its natural position. A problem, however, is that with this type of treatment the action of the muscles is disregarded and in time the vertebra will be pulled back to its old position.

Traditionally bad posture is treated with the use of a corset, back braces or harness, to force the spine into a more upright position. The adverse effect of using such contraptions is that the muscles of the back deteriorate. The corset takes over the supporting function of the muscles thereby resulting in weakening of the muscles.

Bad posture can also be improved with practices such as the Alexander Technique, Physical Therapy, the Feldenkrais Method, Craneo Sacral Therapy, Yoga, Osteopathy and the like. These methods all result in long term treatments and improvement of posture depends greatly on the ability of the therapist and the input of the person under going these therapies.

The present invention provides a device and method for self treatment and prevention of poor posture and back and neck pain caused thereby, by applying pressure for relatively short periods directly and only on the vertebrae. By applying pressure directly on the vertebrae they are mobilized and the curvature of the spine is influenced. By applying pressure only on the vertebrae the muscles on the side of the spine and the superficial muscles of the upper back are able to relax, allowing a better blood supply and activating them to support the new position of the spine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A pad in the form of a strip according to the present invention may be used for back and neck correction or back and neck alignment. The strip may also be used in the fields of yoga, physiotherapy, body exercising, relaxation, and body posture improvement to heal and prevent back or spinal problems.

The pad may be a flexible strip made from natural materials or synthetic materials. During use, the strip may be positioned so that the strip is beneath a person's head and one end of the strip is positioned from about the 8^(th) to the 10^(th) thorax vertebrae. The strip may also be positioned such that a person is lying with his sacrum on the strip, with one end between the top of the sacrum and the lowest lumbar vertebra. While using the strip, a person may perform exercises. By using the strip, the convexity of the upper thorax and the concavity of the neck are reduced. The strip can also be used to alleviate problems in the lower spine and the sacroiliac joint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a strip according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the strip of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view of a person lying on a strip according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows the person of FIG. 3 performing an exercise according an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows the person of FIG. 3 performing an exercise according an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows the person of FIG. 3 performing an exercise according an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a person lying on a strip and performing an exercise according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view of a person lying on a strip according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Due to certain body postures, caused for example by desk work over long periods, the curve of the back of the thorax becomes too convex. Thus, the shoulders hang forward and the curve of the back of the neck becomes too concave, causing problems in the lower back, upper back, and neck area.

According to the present invention, a pad in the form of a compressible strip is used for vertebral alignment, back and neck correction, or back and neck alignment. By using the strip, the convexity of the upper thorax and the concavity of the neck are reduced. The shoulders move backwards and the spine is able to return to its natural curvature. The strip can also be used to alleviate problems in the lower spine and the sacroiliac joint.

I. Structure and Composition of the Pad

The pad may be a flexible strip made of natural materials or synthetic materials. In embodiments, the natural materials may include, but are not limited to, wood, hemp, cocos, sisal, or other natural fiber, natural rubber (latex rubber), wool, cotton, felt, paper, cork, kapok, any combinations of these materials, and the like. Synthetic materials used for making the flexible strip include, but are not limited to plastics, petrol derivatives, silicones, gels, combinations of these materials, and the like. Exemplary of plastic and petrol derivative materials which may be used are polystyrene and polyurethane foams. In preferred embodiments, the strip comprises rubber foam (sponge rubber), neoprene foam, EVA foam, PE foam, EPDM foam, silicon sponge rubber, or synthetic felt.

The strip may be a unitary body as shown in FIG. 1 or may comprise a body of one or more materials surrounded or encased by a removable cover. The removable cover may be made, for example, of cotton, silk, linen, synthetic fabric and the like. In additional embodiments, the strip may be a flexible container filled with a gas, a gel, or a liquid.

The strip may be made from any material having a density of about 1 to about 60 pounds per cubic foot, more preferably about 8 to about 24 pounds per cubic foot, and most preferably about 10 to about 15 pounds per cubic foot (ASTM D3575). In preferred embodiments, the strip may be made from rubber foam having a density of about 13 pounds per cubic foot.

The strip may be made from a material having a hardness from about 20 to about 90 Duro OO, preferably about 40 to about 60 Duro OO to ensure maximum support and maximum comfort (ASTM D2240). The Compressive Force Deflection (CFD) of the material at 25% deflection may be from 0.5 to about 50 psi, for example from about 2 to about 20 psi, preferably about 5 to about 15 psi, more preferably about 7 to about 15 psi, and most preferably from about 9 to about 12 psi (ASTM D3575).

In embodiments, the strip may be about 8 inches to about 48 inches in length. The minimum length of the strip is such that it is sufficiently long to cover the distance between the 10^(th) thorax vertebra and the back of the head. The maximum length is not intrinsically dictated by the proper use of the strip. Preferably, the strip is about 2 feet long.

The strip may be about 0.5 to about 6 inches in height. The minimum height is such that the strip exercises pressure on the vertebrae of the upper back while the muscles on the side of the spine and the shoulder blades relax to the floor. The maximum height is such that the lower back can still be placed flat on the floor, ensuring proper stretching in the upper back and a stable position. Preferably, the height of the strip is from about 1.25 inch (beginner model) to about 2.5 inches (advanced model).

The strip may be about 1 inch to about 8 inches in width. The minimum width is such that the strip provides enough stability when the spine is positioned on it. The maximum width is such that the shoulder blades can relax freely to the floor. The shoulder blades should not be positioned on the strip. The preferred width of the strip is about 2.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the strip is about 2.5 inches in height; about 2.5 inches in width; and about 2 feet in length.

The strip may have rounded ends and at least substantially flat top and bottom surfaces and side surfaces, as shown in FIG. 2. In embodiments of the invention, the rounded ends may have a radius of curvature of about 0.25 inch to about 3 inches, preferably about 0.3 inch to about 1.25 inch, most preferably about 1.25 inch. In preferred embodiments, the radius may be 0.3125 to 0.625 inch for the beginner model, and from 0.625 to 1.25 inch for the advanced model. The rounded ends make the strip ambi-directional. The rounded ends also ensure that the vertebra which is placed on the end of the strip is not pushed inward too far and that it receives a substantially even pressure. The rounded ends also provide a pleasant feeling on the location of the back where the end of the strip is placed. The radius of a circular segment of the rounded ends can be from 0.25 to 0.5 times the height of the strip. Preferably, the radius of the circular segment of the rounded end is about 0.5 times the height of the strip. The cross-sectional shape of the strip between the rounded ends may be rectangular or square.

II. Use of The Strip

The strip according to the present invention is first laid on a flat surface (e.g., a floor). One end of the strip is positioned under the person's head and the other end of the strip is positioned between the 8th and 10th thorax vertebra, as shown in FIG. 3. After the person lies in this position, both legs may be bent and positioned in a straight line with the rest of the body, with the soles of both feet flat on the floor. The pelvis is inclined upward so that the lower back is flat on the floor and the person's arms may be resting on the floor. In embodiments, the person may remain in this position for about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes.

By placing the vertebrae of the upper thorax directly on the strip, the pressure of the weight of the body, thorax, shoulders and arms, makes the vertebrae move inwards towards the chest. This movement stretches the inter-vertebral ligaments and the spinal muscles on the inside of the chest. The muscles on the back side of the spine (M. longissimus and the M. spinalis) and the superficial muscles of the upper back (M. trapezius) are able to relax, which results in a better blood supply to these muscles. Relaxing the upper back muscles and upper back vertebrae creates a pectoral stretch and a backward movement of the shoulders, thus improving the position of the shoulders.

Another effect of using the strip is the change of position of the neck in relation to the upper back. By relaxing the trapezius and mobilizing the upper back vertebrae, the neck vertebrae are able to move towards the strip, stretching the backside of the cervical spine ligaments and muscles and thus reducing the concavity of the neck.

While on the flexible strip, an individual may do a variety of exercises.

A. Exercise 1

While lying on the strip as shown in FIG. 3, a person may hold an object, such as a belt (e.g., a piece of woven cotton commonly used in hatha yoga), so that the space between both hands is about 4 inches and the hands are positioned at about shoulder length above the chest as shown in FIG. 4. The person may then straighten his arms upwards and perpendicular to the floor, but not fully stretched as shown in FIG. 5. Next, the person moves his arms overhead towards the floor while lightly pulling the belt outward, as shown in FIG. 6.

By giving pressure with the feet towards the lower back in combination with contracting the abdominal muscles, the pelvis is inclined upward. The lumbar spine moves towards the floor creating a stretch on the ligaments and muscles of the backside of the lumber vertebrae. This movement of the pelvis ensures sufficient pressure on the vertebrae that are placed on the strip.

By moving the arms overhead, the point of biggest pressure on the upper thorax vertebrae moves upwards and maximum stretching of the spine is received vertebra by vertebra, from 10^(th) thorax (Th10) upward towards the first thorax (Th1). By moving the point of maximum pressure higher up, the neck vertebrae are able to move further towards the strip, thereby creating a stretch on the muscles and ligaments on the backside of the cervical spine.

By pulling on the belt, the triceps are activated. This force is transmitted to the shoulder blades enabling them to relax, moving with the inside of the blades towards the strip and with the outside of the blades towards the floor. This improves the position of the shoulders.

B. Exercise 2

In another exercise according to the present invention, while lying on the flexible strip as shown in FIG. 3, the person pushes his pelvis up so that only the neck vertebrae and the back of the head are touching the strip as shown in FIG. 7.

By lifting up the pelvis, the point of maximum pressure moves towards the neck vertebrae. There are two points of maximum pressure: cervical vertebrae C7 and the back of the head (protuberantia occipitalis externa). The vertebrae between these two points move towards the strip. The muscles and ligaments in back of the neck are stretched and pressure on the intervertebral discs is relieved.

C. Exercise 3

The strip can also be used to alleviate problems in the lower spine and sacroiliac joint.

The strip is first laid flat on the floor. A person is then positioned so that the sacrum rests on the axial length of the strip. One end of the strip is positioned between the top of the sacrum and the lower lumbar vertebra (L5), as shown in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8 the lower arms are drawn in an upward position. This is done only to show the position of the strip more clearly. Both legs may be bent and positioned in a straight line with the rest of the body, the soles of the feet hip width apart and flat on the floor on the sides of the strip.

The back side of the neck is stretched. The arms may rest on the floor. Tilt the pelvis upward by activating the abdominal muscles so the vertebrae of the lower back move towards the floor. A person can be in this position for 5 to 30 minutes.

By putting the sacrum on the strip, the muscles around the lumbar vertebrae can relax and the lumbar vertebrae can start to mobilize. Often the lowest lumbar vertebrae (L4 and L5) are too far inward. This stretching helps to return the lower lumbar vertebrae to their correct position. The second effect of putting pressure on the sacrum is that the sacroiliac joint is relieved from its usual pressure and allows any misalignment in the joint to correct itself.

The exercises create space between vertebrae for proper disc nourishment and healing. In addition, blood circulation in the back, shoulders, and neck is improved. 

1. A method of back and neck correction or back and neck alignment, comprising: placing a strip on a floor; and lying on the strip such that (a) the strip is beneath a person's head and one end is positioned from about the 8^(th) to about the 10^(th) thorax vertebrae, or (b) the strip is beneath a person's sacrum and one end of the strip is between a top of the person's sacrum and the lowest lumbar vertebra, wherein the strip comprises a material that is about 8 inches to about 48 inches in length; about 0.5 to about 6 inches in height; and about 1 inch to about 6 inches in width.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material comprises a natural material or a synthetic material.
 3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the natural material is selected from the group consisting of wood, hemp fiber, cocos fiber, sisal fiber, natural rubber or latex rubber, wool, cotton, felt, paper, cork, kapok, and combinations of these materials.
 4. A method according to claim 2, wherein the synthetic material is selected from the group consisting of plastics, petrol derivatives, silicones, gels, polystyrene foams, polyurethane foams, and combinations of these materials.
 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material has a density of about 1 to about 60 pounds per cubic foot.
 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material has a density of about 10 to about 15 pounds per cubic foot.
 7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material has a density of about 13 pounds per cubic foot.
 8. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material has a hardness from about 20 to about 90 Duro OO.
 9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material has a hardness from about 40 to about 60 Duro OO.
 10. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material has a compressive force deflection at 25% deflection of from about 0.5 to about 50 psi.
 11. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material has a compressive force deflection at 25% deflection of from about 7 to about 15 psi.
 12. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material has a compressive force deflection at 25% deflection of from about 9 to about 12 psi.
 13. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material comprises latex rubber, felt, natural fibers, or cork.
 14. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material comprises neoprene foam, EVA foam, PE foam, EPDM foam, silicon sponge rubber, sponge rubber, or synthetic felt.
 15. A method according to claim 1, wherein the strip has rounded ends.
 16. A method according to claim 1, wherein the person lies on the strip such that a person's head is on the strip and one end is positioned from about the 8^(th) to about the 10^(th) thorax vertebrae.
 17. A method according to claim 16, further comprising, while lying on the strip, the person raises his hands upwards and perpendicular to the floor and then moves his hands overhead towards the floor.
 18. A method according to claim 16, further comprising, while lying on the strip, the person raises his pelvis such that only neck vertebrae and the back of his head are touching the strip.
 19. A method according to claim 1, wherein the person lies with the person's sacrum on the strip such that one end of the strip is between a top of the sacrum and the lowest lumbar vertebra.
 20. A flexible strip for back and neck correction or back and neck alignment comprising: a strip comprising a unitary body that is about 8 inches to about 48 inches in length; about 0.5 to about 6 inches in height; and about 1 inch to about 6 inches in width, said strip having rounded ends and substantially flat top and bottom surfaces between the rounded ends, wherein the strip comprises a material having a density of about 1 to about 60 pounds per cubic foot, a hardness from about 20 to about 90 Duro OO, and a compressive force deflection at 25% deflection of from about 0.5 to about 50 psi.
 21. A flexible strip according to claim 20, wherein the material comprises latex rubber foam or sponge rubber.
 22. A flexible strip for back and neck correction or back and neck alignment comprising: a strip comprising a body of one or more materials surrounded or encased by a removable cover or a flexible container, said strip being about 8 inches to about 48 inches in length; about 0.5 to about 6 inches in height; and about 1 inch to about 6 inches in width, said strip having rounded ends and substantially flat top and bottom surfaces between the rounded ends, wherein the strip comprises a material having a density of about 1 to about 60 pounds per cubic foot, a hardness from about 20 to about 90 Duro OO, and a compressive force deflection at 25% deflection of from about 0.5 to about 50 psi. 